Study Abroad FAQs

Q:What options do students have to study abroad at
Salisbury University?

A:
There are four ways to study abroad through SU:

1)
Through a variety of short term faculty-led
international programs during January, Spring Break, and
Summer Session (students apply directly to the SU
program through the faculty director; students pay SU
directly the costs of the program; students earn SU
credits; programs led by SU faculty);

2) through one of four semester/ year exchange
agreements with foreign universities in China, Ecuador,
France, and Germany (students apply for the exchange
slot through the SU Center for International Education;
(students pay SU tuition and fees for the semester(s)
they will be an exchange student; students earn credits
through the foreign university and transfer the credits
back to SU; students pay no tuition at the foreign
university);

3) SU has signed affiliation agreements with seven
international study abroad affiliates offering programs
all over the world in all majors. SU has agreed to
accept credits from our affiliates and SUCIE works
regularly with its affiliates to make all arrangements
for student participants (students apply directly to the
affiliate; students file a series of paperwork with
SUCIE to establish themselves as in-status SU study
abroad students; students pay tuition and fees directly
to the affiliate; students pay no tuition to SU for the
period that they are studying abroad on the affiliate
international program; all SU financial aid can be
applied to the affiliate's international program costs;
students receive transfer credits from the affiliate
program); and

4) Sometimes students have a specific need for an
international program that neither SU nor any of our
approved affiliates can satisfy. In this case, SUCIE
will approve on a case-by-case basis SU student
participation on a non-affiliate international program
(students meet with a counselor at the SU Center for
International Education to receive approval for
participation in a non-affiliate program; students apply
directly to the non-affiliate program; students file a
series of paperwork with SUCIE to establish themselves
as in-status SU study abroad students; students pay
tuition and fees directly to the non-affiliate program;
students pay no tuition to SU for the period that they
are studying abroad on the non-affiliate international
program; all SU financial aid can be applied to the
non-affiliate's international program costs; students
receive transfer credits from the non-affiliate
international program).

Q:
How do I choose a study abroad program that is best for
me?

A: You should take the time to think
about and define your personal and educational goals in
relation to studying abroad. The following questions
will assist you in deciding what type of program would
be most suitable for your needs.

-What are your long term academic and professional
goals?

-How can your study abroad experience become the
academic and intellectual highlight of your undergraduate studies?

-How
important is studying or perfecting your competence in a
foreign language?

Q:
Can I study abroad with my major?

A:
Yes. There are study abroad programs for every
major. There are SU short-term faculty-led study abroad
programs in many majors. If SU does not sponsor a
program in your major, there is certainly an affiliated
or high-quality non-affiliated program that does.

Q:
How will I know if my credits will
transfer?

If you
study on an SU program, you will earn SU credits just as
if you were on campus. If you study on an exchange
program, or with an affiliated or approved
non-affiliated provider, as part of the process to
establish yourself as an in-status SU study abroad
student, you will file paperwork to get your courses
pre-approved for transfer. In-status SU study abroad
students know not only that their credits will transfer
before they travel, they know exactly how those credits
will count in their programs of study back at SU.

Q:
How much does it cost to study abroad?

A:
The cost for studying abroad varies for each program.
Cost is determined by length, extent of program
activity, etc. and may fluctuate based on exchange
rates.

Q: Is
there any financial aid available?

A:
Yes. Students can find scholarships and financial aid
options through the SUCIE website; SU offers small
scholarships to study abroad students regardless of
where or how they are studying abroad; Students studying
abroad for a semester or year can bring their regular
financial aid package with them. The financial aid
office will work with students once they are well
advanced on their application process.

On the SUCIE website, students can find a list of
various independent financial aid and scholarship
choices in addition to scholarships and financial aid
offered through Salisbury University's affiliate
programs.

A:
It depends. Many students study abroad on short term
faculty-led programs during January, Spring Break or the
summer. Many of these programs are offered to students
from freshman year through senior year. Other students
study abroad in the Fall of Spring semesters. Students
have studied abroad for a full semester at all times
during their undergraduate experience. Traditionally,
most students have studied abroad for a semester or year
during sophomore or junior years, but there is no wrong
time to study abroad. Students in some majors are
better served by studying abroad for a full semester
earlier or later in their academic career.

Q:
How long before I want to study abroad do I have to
start the process?

A:
SU short-term faculty-led study abroad programs have
their own application deadlines. Those deadlines are
typically 3-7 months in advance of the program. Most
students interested in studying abroad for a semester or
year can begin the process the semester before they
would like to go abroad. This gives students time to
complete all the required paperwork and prepare to go
abroad. Students who are unsure of where they would
like to study abroad may require more time to select a
destination and a program.

Q: I
don't speak a foreign language. Can I still study
abroad?

A: Absolutely. Studying abroad
offers a unique opportunity to learn a foreign
language. However, there are programs throughout the
world – even in countries in which English is not the
native language -- that offer coursework in English.

Q:
Can I do an internship abroad?

A:
Yes. There are many exciting opportunities for students
to complete internships abroad in many disciplines.
SUCIE staff can help students find an internship to fit
their requirements in order for them to earn academic
credit. Some internships abroad are paid, others are
not.

Q: I
know I want to study abroad. How do I start the
process?

A:
If you know you want to study abroad on an SU short-term
faculty-led program, you can contact the faculty
director for application information. If you
might be interested in studying abroad for a semester or
year and have questions regarding the
process, please schedule an
appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor, 410-677-5027.

Q: I
still have more questions. Whom can I ask?

A:
First, make sure you explore the SUCIE website at
www.salisbury.edu/intled for information on
programs, financial aid, and process. If you still
have questions, please call
410-677-5027 to schedule an appointment with a Study
Abroad Advisor.